Here's Your Guide to Antwerp Pride 2022

You didn’t think Pride was over, did you? Now that Renaissance has been gifted to us? Alphabet mafia, square up, because the city of Antwerp will be celebrating 15 years of Antwerp Pride during all of August 2022. Traditionally more party than protest, Antwerp Pride also has a strong offering of culture and togetherness in store with its many grassroots events including the standout Antwerp Queer Arts Festival. Here’s what to know to get your group chat ready to go.

The Theme

The 2022 Antwerp Pride theme is ‘Queertopia’, as the organisers invite everyone to envision what the ideal world for LGBTQIA+ folks will look like 15 years into the future. The official kick-off concert on August 10 will be held at open-air venue OLT Rivierenhof with performances by young faves such as BRYN and thee Big Miss, Miss Angel, as well as powerful vocalist Jaouad and more. Get your tickets right here.

The Parade – August 13

It’s been two years! Starting on Saturday August 13 (2 PM) at Paardenmarkt, the parade will serpentine to the banks of the river Scheldt with bells, whistles and pun-aplenty banners once again. Find your own groups to march along with, like social feminist action group RoSa or LGBTQIA+ student organisation De Flamingo’s. I’ll be the one in the back blasting “PURE/HONEY” on a loop, don’t mind me.

The Events

Veer from day to night as you take in all the art, performances, slam poetry, workshops and cinema put on by local and international artists. One particular highlight of the past couple of years is the Antwerp Queer Arts Festival, which spans queer film screenings, exhibitions, performance art, workshops and labs, dj sets, concerts and much more. ‘Our bodies are sites of limitless possibilities’, the 2022 edition proclaims. Let’s find out.

Antwerp Queer Arts Festival from August 5-26 all over Antwerp
BAM! BAM! SLAM! Queer open stage on August 11 at S14
Cinema Urbana ‘Futur Drei’ screening on August 11 at Van Meterenkaai
Human Rights Friday documentary screening on August 12 at Bibliotheek Permeke
Zine Sunday Workshop ‘CLIT & PLAK’ on August 14 (as part of AQAF) at De Studio
AQAF at De Cinema on August 14 at De Cinema
Een Nochtans Hele Leuke Literaire Avond on August 20 (as part of AQAF) at Kavka Oudaan

The Parties

Once you’ve nourished your soul, it’s time to wreck your knees and feet dancing to a filthy beat (translation: “Alien Superstar”). The main event is the Love United Festival but there’s plenty happening from underground dances to dragadelic performances to fetish-first fêtes. Stay hydrated, stay together and might I suggest you slay?

Friends of Dorothy on August 6 at De Zomerfabriek
Midsummer Party on August 11 at Den Draak
Oh Honey queer afternoon dance on August 12 at Den Bocht
Trans-formation on August 12 at ToiToiToi
Love United Festival on August 13 at Cockerillkaai
Parade Afterparty on August 13 at Den Draak
Tompoes Women Only Afterparty on August 13 at Cargo Club
H.I.M. Pride XL Edition on August 13 at IKON
Woodpop Official Pride After Party on August 13 at Waagnatie
All The Lovers Super Queer Pride Edition on August 14 at Kavka Oudaan

Find the full lineup of Pride events here.

It always bears reminding: you don’t have to physically join any crowds to celebrate pride. However you choose or are able to be proud, we see and salute you. If this is your first Pride (iconic!) here is some helpful advice as well as safety tips. 💜

Header image: Ryan McGinley